sean brendan

A perfect wine of the week, this has got to be the best $12 wines i’ve ever had, and it was brought to us once again by the good folks at Garagiste. It seems to be going to closer to $20 at online retailers, which shows just how good Garagiste’s prices can be. Wonderfully produced in Provence from hand picked syrah, grenache, and a small percentage or cab this wine was fantastic with grilled meats and vegetables.  While most wines are better with food, this one is one of those that is is light enough to drink on its own.

This wine come from the Cotes du Provence AOC, the largest wine marking region in Provence which comprises most of the eastern part of the region. While the main grape used in this AOC is Carignon, the Clos d’Alari focused on the more familiar Syrah and Grenache varietals.  Carignon is most often used in ordinary table wines, or as they say in France, Vin Ordinaire.

Notes from Garagiste: The 2004 Clos d’Alari is the freshest ambassador of charm, intensity, varietal fruit, dried brush and lingering pure fruit that one could ask for - almost as a tank sample of Provence itself.  I almost hesitate to describe the wine as it’s medium weight personality has so much to say on its own.  With low alcohol (13%) and a smile as wide as the ocean, this is a wine all of us can wrap our arms around and be proud to open for our guests.